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4
Maintenance and care
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
NOTICE
Cleaning detergents
Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehi-
cle interior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces:
• Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline,
alkaline or acidic solutions, dye, and bleach
• Seats: Alkaline or acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, and
alcohol
Do not use polish wax or polish cleaner. The instrument panel’s or other
interior part’s painted surface may be damaged.
Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of
leather surfaces:
Remove any dust or dirt from leather surfaces immediately.
Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Park the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or containing wax on the uphol-
stery, as they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats
up significantly.
Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes
into contact with electrical components such as the audio system above or
under the floor of the vehicle. Water may also cause the body to rust.
Cleaning the inside of the rear window
Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause dam-
age to the rear window defogger heater wires or antenna. Use a cloth
dampened with lukewarm water to gently wipe the window clean. Wipe
the window in strokes running parallel to the heater wires or antenna.
Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.
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4-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driving, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance are essential. Lexus recommends performing the follow-
ing maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance
Scheduled maintenance should be performed at specified
intervals according to the maintenance schedule.
For details about maintenance items and schedules, refer to the
“Lexus Service Booklet” or “Lexus Warranty Booklet”.
Do-it-yourself maintenance
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself if you have
a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools.
Note, however, that some maintenance tasks require special tools
and skills. These are best performed by qualified technicians. Even
if you’re an experienced do-it-yourself mechanic, we recommend
that repairs and maintenance be conducted by any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional. Any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer will keep a
record of maintenance, which could be useful should you ever
require Warranty Service. Should you choose to select a qualified
and equipped professional other than an authorized Lexus repairer
to service or maintain your vehicle, we recommend that you
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4-2. Maintenance
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Maintenance and care
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
Where to go for service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus rec-
ommends that all repairs and service operations be carried out by authorized
Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profession-
als. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing
any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be advantages in utiliz-
ing authorized Lexus dealers or repairers for non-warranty repairs and ser-
vices, as members of the Lexus network will be able to expertly assist you
with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional will perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reli-
ably and economically due to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
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4-2. Maintenance
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs
that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air
conditioning system after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monox-
ide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system
checked immediately.)
Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire
wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost
touches the floor, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and
possible serious injury or death.
Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. (P. 496)
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Maintenance and care
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct
procedure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery condition (P.
496)• Grease
• Conventional wrench
(for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power control unit cool-
ant level (P. 491)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” or a similar high quality
ethylene glycol-based non-sili-
cate, non-amine, non-nitrite and
non-borate coolant with long-
life hybrid organic acid technol-
ogy
“Toyota Super Long Life Cool-
ant” is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized
water.
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CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (P. 487)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding
engine oil)
Fuses (P. 520)• Fuse with same amperage rating
as original
Light bulbs (P. 534)
• Bulb with same number and
wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and condenser (P. 4 9 4)
Tire inflation pressure (P. 507)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 495)
• Water or washer fluid contain-
ing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding
water or washer fluid)
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Maintenance and care
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
Make sure that the indicator on the “POWER” switch and the “READY”
indicator are both off.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids
may also be hot.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes
are flammable.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the
affected area with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, consult a doctor.
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the “POWER” switch is off.
With the “POWER” switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. (P. 494)
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc.
from getting in your eyes.
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CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air. Also, a backfire could cause a fire in the engine com-
partment.
If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.